The rhythmic hum of a carriage's wheels on the cold stone resonated through the air, mingling with the occasional snort of a horse and the gentle rustling of the wind.
Sunlight bathed the surroundings, casting a golden glow, while a crisp breeze carried the invigorating scent of frost. Wisps of clouds drifted lazily across the sky, heralding the arrival of warmer days. As snow-capped structures began to thaw, rivulets of water cascaded down their surfaces, revealing the sturdy foundation underneath.
Tyrus, Fiona, and Igneal sat in a carriage traveling through the streets of Valis. Sir Wayne and a servant were up front, handling the reins. Everyone was quiet as the bustling streets of shops and people gradually shifted into wider avenues occupied by a larger crowd.
"Tyrus... You've been tapping your leg against the carriage floor for a while now. Your tail's been moving nonstop as well," Fiona noted, her brow raised. "Are you that nervous?"
"A little," Tyrus replied, his hand fiddling with his sleeves. "I mean... Today is the day of the entrance exams of the most prestigious academy in Dharmere. From what you, Reo, and Grant told me, it's extremely hard to get in. If I fail today, there will be no second chances..."
Fiona chuckled. "Don't worry too much. You will surely pass the entrance exams. You're aiming for the combat department, right? From what I've seen of you ever since we met, you're way ahead of any first-year student I've seen."
"A friend of a Lockhart shouldn't seem so concerned about such trifling matters," Igneal remarked, crossing his arms. "Relax yourself. A member of the Great Lineages would not display such an unsightly face. You're making a fool of yourself. Like I, you will easily pass the examinations. Do you think our training was for nothing?"
Tyrus blinked and gawked at Igneal, who looked out the window with a determined gaze. It wasn't just the words, but also the tone and expression. Again, Igneal's voice wasn't laced with arrogance or conceit. This time, he really sounded as if he believed the words he spoke, and it was toward another person. It had been a long time since Igneal dished out any encouragement. Tyrus wasn't sure how to react.
"Yeah, you're right," Tyrus said. "Sorry. I'll try to relax a bit. Thanks, Igneal."
A puff of air escaped from Igneal's nose as he faced away. "Do not expect it again. It was a onetime occasion. The next time this happens, I will not be repeating myself."
Tyrus nodded and looked out the window. "By the way, Fiona. Where are we going, exactly? I see there are a lot of people gathering here."
"Remember that white tower that looked like it would scrape the heavens? It's called the Grand Tower, and it's home, a teleportation hub that allows high ranking sorcerers and dignitaries to travel instantly to distant lands or other major cities within the empire. The teleportation gate is a highly regulated magical device, only accessible to those with clearance or magical credentials, ensuring that only authorized individuals can use its power. Only a few of them exist across Dharmere."
"Father and I used it to travel from Lockhart territory," Igneal said. "It is quite a fascinating experience. There is a slight tugging sensation, and then a bright light blinds you. Next thing you know, you've arrived at your destination. I've heard newcomers tend to faint during the first few uses."
Fiona nodded and continued. "It takes a substantial amount of mana to power the Grand Tower, hence why the tower itself is a source of power. As I mentioned, the gate connects to other major cities within the empire, and only certain destinations are preset. It’s not like you can pop in wherever you please. Also, there’s always someone overseeing who comes and goes. Plus, the whole thing requires so much magic that they can’t afford to leave it open all the time."
"That sounds amazing! It sounds like it requires a lot of care, too," Tyrus said.
"Correct. From what the academy taught us, it's that the Grand Tower is one of the greatest monuments of Dharmere. I won't pretend I know what goes on in the upper floors of the Grand Tower and how it functions exactly, but know this: you'll only hurt yourself thinking too hard about it. Just know only brilliant minds are behind it."
Fiona left it at that, and Tyrus decided not to pursue the topic further. While he followed her advice and tried not to think too hard about it, guessing what goes on in the Grand Tower was too intriguing to pass up. A group of brilliant sorcerers maintaining a tower capable of transporting people across land quickly was a concept he couldn't understand fully. Such a marvel made carriages or walking on foot seem mundane.
That Zephyr guy transported a group of people to the Wasteful Wetlands on his own. What's so different between the Grand Tower and the Zephyr guy's ability?
As Tyrus was left to his own thoughts, the mana in the air gradually increased. He could sense the mana radiating from the tower. By the time the base of the Grand Tower came into view, it was a colossal white structure towering over all the nearby buildings.
The carriage rolled to a stop in front of a stone gate guarded by sorcerers in white and blue robes and the ordinary Valis guard. Crowds of people lined the street leading up to the entrance. A variety of garments greeted Tyrus's eye, ranging from expensive finery to ordinary commoner wear. A majority of them were young, around his age. There were a few adults added to the mix, and judging by their posture and garments, a lot of them were servants and parents.
Everyone passed through the gate with relative ease. The sorcerers would give each person a quick glance before allowing them to enter a wide stone plaza paved with smooth, white granite that matched the tower’s majestic appearance. Lining the plaza were carved statues of posing figures. At the center was a fountain featuring a statue of a man, his hand outstretched as he held a sword to the heavens. Water spouted from the tip, splashing into the basin below.
"Pick your jaw off the ground and get out already," Igneal grumbled, snapping Tyrus out of his daze.
Tyrus glanced at him and then exited the carriage, with Igneal following suit. His legs wobbled at the sheer amount of chatter and people assaulting his senses.
Everything in his sight was foreign and new, and the energy surrounding him was like nothing he had ever felt before. His brain was practically screaming at him to run back to the carriage and order Sir Wayne to return to Selena manor, but Tyrus held himself back with a good pinch to the arm.
Tyrus noticed Fiona hadn't gotten out yet and turned. "Aren't you coming with us, Fiona?"
She shook her head and replied, "I'm sorry, but the entrance exams are exclusively for newcomers. Outsiders are not permitted to enter the Grand Tower. The examiners have a strict policy in place, allowing only those participating in the exams to enter. Also, returning students are scheduled to enter at a later date. It's to avoid congestion and increase efficiency."
His ears drooped as he said, "Oh... Okay. That actually makes a lot of sense."
"You'll be alright, Tyrus. You can take care of yourself. And, reluctantly, I have to acknowledge that Igneal is also there with you. I'm not sure what exactly happened, but it seems he doesn't have a problem sticking with you."
Igneal walked forward and placed a hand on the carriage door. "How about you mind your business, dear sister. It's none of your concern, nor is it your place to speak for me. Sir Wayne, you may take her someplace else."
Before Fiona could snap back, Igneal closed the carriage door shut and turned his back on her. Sir Wayne gave Igneal a deep bow, which the latter responded to with a simple nod, before turning the carriage and departing the area.
"Come on. Let's go," Igneal said, walking towards the gate. "The earlier we get there, the better."
Tyrus cast a glance over his shoulder, observing the carriage gradually shrinking in the distance. A slight twinge of sadness tugged at his heart as it faded from view. He released a heavy sigh and then proceeded to follow behind Igneal.
As the morning cold gripped the air, Tyrus felt a shiver race down his spine.
It wasn't just the occasional breeze that caused it, but rather the piercing gaze that seemed to intensify with each step he took towards the towering Grand Tower. The vibrant conversations that once filled the air now faded into distant echoes, replaced by icy whispers that sent a chill through his bones.
"What is a Demi-human kid doing here?"
"Did that child mistake the entrance exams for a circus?"
"Hey, isn't that the child His Majesty interrogated? Don't tell me he's actually here for the entrance exams?"
It was hard to focus through all the noise, but Tyrus was used to this kind of attention. Well, as used to it as he could be.
A short while later, the two arrived at the Grand Tower entrance, currently flooded with what Tyrus assumed were applicants. Tyrus tried to count the heads bumbling forward, but he stopped when the number reached the high seventies. There must've been at most doubled the number from the outside.
"This way," Igneal said, his stride unfaltering.
Tyrus followed him up a set of stairs that led to a pair of double doors of silver. Once they got inside, after practically fighting through heaps of people, Tyrus roved his eyes around the breath-taking interior of the tower.
The domed ceiling was high, around the same height as the clock tower in the outer section of the capital. A vast, circular hall with walls made of white marble veined with blue greeted him, which shimmer as they catch the light from floating, luminous orbs suspended in the air.
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The walls were connected by raised platforms, adorned with bronze railings, which allowed access to a second level. Sorcerers and stations for different purposes were scattered throughout, creating a mystical atmosphere. At the end of each catwalk, alcoves with doors could be found.
On the ground floor, rows of cushioned seats were situated at the side, leaving room in the middle to walk normally. Nestled in the heart of the circular hall, the teleportation portal stood, its majestic arch reaching towards the ceiling. As Tyrus approached, a powerful surge of mana crashed into him, nearly knocking him off balance. The oppressive pressure made it difficult for him to breathe, but he managed to focus on the gate before him.
The massive circular frame was adorned with countless intricate runes, their polished surface twinkling in the light. It was a sight that would put even the most elaborate book of spells to shame. The gate pulsed with a vibrant azure light, spiraling and swirling, creating a mesmerizing display. As Tyrus peered into its center, he found himself peering into a shimmering surface that seemed to have no end, leaving him with a sense of both awe and trepidation.
"It's beautiful," Tyrus said with a gasp.
He tore his gaze away from the gate when he noticed a line of sorcerers in front of the gate. Instead of the white and blue robes most wore, theirs were more in line to what Igneal usually wore, except blue in uniform. He counted four standing side-by-side. Each of them had an insignia that resembled a miniature Grand Tower. Were they in charge of overseeing the portal?
A man with a shiny head and few forehead wrinkles stepped toward the flood of applicants, which were mostly children and those a few years older. His eyes scanned the gathering of applicants, their nervous excitement palpable in the air. He cleared his throat, commanding immediate attention as his voice echoed through the stone corridor as soon as the last person entered.
"Welcome to the Grand Tower," he began, his tone formal but not unkind. "I am Warden Nathero of the Grand Tower. Today marks a significant moment in the history of your lives. Here, you will undertake the entrance exams for Valis Academy of Sorcery. There are two separate stages for the entrance exams: the written test and the physical test."
He pointed to the left, indicating a row of doors along the wall. "On your left, you will discover the written exam hall. This will test your comprehension of fundamental magical theory, history, and practical application. On the right side, you will find the physical exam hall. This will assess your skill in sorcery, determine your primary affinity, and identify which of the four main elements in which you will excel or struggle."
The man's last words hit Tyrus like a punch to the gut. What did he mean by that last sentence? Would that mean they'll be identifying each and every element at his disposal? How would that even work?
"Applicants have the option to sit for either one or both tests. Nevertheless, it is important to note that choosing to take only one exam significantly reduces the pass rate compared to those who have attempted both. It is strongly recommended to participate in both exams for your own benefit. Opting for just one test narrows down the evaluation scope, making it more challenging to distinguish oneself as a comprehensive candidate deserving of admission into the academy."
A series of hushed whispers spread among the crowd with a few gasps mixed in. Tyrus's ears perked, catching the voices of the crowd.
"Did he say that taking only one test is practically pointless? But why would the academy give us the choice of taking only one?"
"I've heard a bit about the written test. It's supposedly designed to weed out the uneducated applicants."
"Aw man! I was hoping the physical test was going to be enough. Guess I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
The hall immediately turned loud as the number of concerns and questions from the crowd increased. It was only until Warden Nathero clapped his hands once when the area was plunged into silence.
"There are approximately one-hundred and fifty applicants today. You will be divided into two groups. Half of you will be brought into written exam hall, and the other half will begin the physical examination overseen by the Valis Academy of Sorcery instructors. We will now begin separating the groups. I bid you all the best of luck. May Sthito bless your success."
Almost immediately did the sorcerers in front of the gate move and sort the applicants into groups. Tyrus turned his attention to the right side of the Grand Tower where the physical exam hall resided.
One of the sorcerers was pointing at applicants, directing them towards either side of the hall. It took some time, and that same sorcerer, a woman with greying hair, walked up to him and Igneal.
Her eyes landed on the noble, and she bowed. "Young lord of the Lockhart name, I presume?"
Igneal nodded. "Yes, yes, I am a Lockhart. Let us get on with the entrance exams. I'd rather get this over with. I will be taking both the physical and written exams."
"Apologies, young lord. You will begin with the physical exam and are applicant fifty-three. Please take a seat and wait until your number is called."
Igneal grunted a response, and the sorcerer moved on toward an available seat toward the right side of the hall. Tyrus shifted his gaze away from the noble and faced the sorcerer. As soon as their eyes met, Tyrus felt his heart skip a beat.
"Regarding you, black tiger," she declared, her voice dripping with venom. "Although His Majesty has bestowed upon you the status of a citizen of Lethos, do not delude yourself. You are of Beastfolk lineage, the empire's sworn enemy. Were it not for the emperor, you would never have been allowed inside the Grand Tower, let alone in its proximity."
The sorcerer took a momentary pause before proceeding. "For the physical exam, you are applicant number fifty-four. Find a seat and wait until your number is called. The academy instructors will evaluate you when it's your turn. While you've made it this far, don't anticipate any sympathy or leniency from them."
With the ominous words lingering in the air, the woman shifted her focus to the next applicant, instructing them to proceed with the written exam. Tyrus shot a piercing glare at the rude woman before he let out a sigh and settled into an unoccupied seat beside Igneal.
There's no way the instructors will purposely fail me, right? I really haven't thought about that before...
Tyrus laced his hands together, his eyes staring at the floor as he awaited his number to be called. In the meantime, he listened to conversations all around him.
Most were about the contents of the exams or what life would be like inside the academy, but there were a few interesting bits thrown in the mix, like how some kids were planning their future.
The noble boys would inherit their family's business or seek influential positions, while the girls sought the same, save for a few that wanted to become a renowned sorcerer. He even heard whispers that some were seeking worthy sorcerers to marry.
When Tyrus looked up from the ground, just to take a glance at the applicants whose numbers were called, he noticed the stares he was receiving. Even though he tried his best to ignore them, the constant snickering and murmurs made him feel self-conscious.
"They must be astonished that a Lockhart has honored them with his presence. I can't blame them," Igneal said, appearing completely at ease.
I don't think that's it, Tyrus thought. Of course, he wouldn't knock him out of his common delusions and kept to himself.
Time seemed to crawl to a slow crawl as more applicants were called up for the physical exam. The hall grew quieter and quieter with each new applicant that stepped out, which did little to soothe his nerves.
Whenever one finished, they were instructed by the man guarding the doors to make way for the seats over at the written exam and wait there. Those already taking the written exam were already behind the doors, so the seats were empty for the ones finished with the physical. And each one that left the hall, their faces were painted in a pale complexion. A few were shaking and sweating. Some were trembling, and others looked as if they were on the verge of tears as they crawled away in shame.
A wave of unease washed over Tyrus as his heart pounded against his rib cage. A lump formed in his throat, and the longer he waited, the worse the tension within his body became. The more applicants returned to the hall, the louder the pounding of his heart echoed.
"Applicant fifty-three," a voice from up front called out.
"Finally," Igneal grumbled. He stood from his seat and dusted his pants. "I will be sure to impress these instructors and prove my superiority amongst the others."
"G-Good luck, then," Tyrus said.
Igneal proceeded to the sorcerer by the doors, his head held high. He disappeared into the room, and the door was closed shut. However, not long after the noble left did someone new take his place.
"Look what we have here," a familiar voice said. "What's a Demi-human like you doing here?"
Tyrus stiffened at the sudden appearance of the three figures before him. Three boys; one with sandy brown hair, another with dark hair, and the last one with blond hair surrounded him. All were wearing expensive, neatly pressed attire, and the two with colored hair hovered over Tyrus.
"Oh? You don't seem happy to see us," the dark-haired boy said. "You know, its common courtesy for commoners to address nobles."
"Father said that the Beastfolk are a dumb bunch," the sandy brown-haired snickered. "He probably can't even speak properly."
Dark hair chuckled. "That's right, I almost forgot about that. So, Demi-human, can you speak? Or are you too stupid?"
"I can't believe the Grand Tower is allowing an enemy to take the entrance exams," the blond-haired said, a scowl on his face. "There's also the fact that the Beastfolk take no prisoners and eats their captives. That's the reason the empire has been fighting them since forever."
Tyrus eye twitched at the accusation. "What kind of stupid rumors are you talking about? I don't eat people."
"So, you do speak," the dark-haired mused.
"I can talk just fine, yes," Tyrus growled. "What are you guys even trying to accomplish by bothering me?"
"To meet a supposed black tiger, obviously. It's known that black tigers are affiliated with the Great Lineages, making them practically nobility. But in the end, they are still beasts. Just because they possess slightly higher intelligence than ordinary ones, it does not change the fact that they are all bloodthirsty villains. Considering you're half-human, it is repulsive to think that one of your parents had a child with a beast—"
Something inside Tyrus snapped. He turned, his eyes locking onto the group. His pulse quickened, and before he realized it, a ripple of mana surged from his core, subtle at first, but growing rapidly.
The boys stopped laughing. Their smirks faltered as they felt the shift in the atmosphere. A low hum vibrated through the ground, the pressure of Tyrus's mana wrapping around them like an invisible force. The leader of the trio, the one who had spoken first, took a shaky step back, his face pale.
Tyrus didn't say a word. He didn't have to. His glare, fierce and unblinking, held them in place as if daring them to continue. The mana around him pulsated, wild and untamed, a warning more powerful than any words he could have uttered. His eyes flickered with something primal, something dangerous.
The dark-haired boy, surprisingly, stood his ground and glared back. "Why you—"
"That is enough," a delicate voice commanded.
Everyone froze, Tyrus included, as a pale girl with light blue hair suddenly appeared by his side. She stood with her back turned to him, a white cloak resembling fur cascading down her shoulders. Her right hand was raised towards the trio, as if signaling them to halt.
"You three are making a commotion," the girl stated. "Go back to your seats before Warden Nathero comes over here. I will not repeat myself."
"Y-Yes, Lady Kylis!"
Like a bunch of scared cats, the three scurried away and sat in their respective seats. Tyrus's eyes lingered on the girl, Kylis, for a moment before the man up front called his number.
"Applicant fifty-four!"
He glanced away from Kylis to see Igneal strolling by. Yet instead of a proud face, there was a bit of a frown tugging at the corners as he mumbled something incomprehensible from afar.
Tyrus immediately rose to his feet. "T-Thank you for helping me out."
The girl turned, allowing Tyrus to finally catch a glimpse of her face. Describing her as pretty would be an understatement. Her complexion was flawlessly smooth, free of any imperfections, while her cheeks boasted a subtle rosy hue. Her eyes, a striking shade of light blue, were as clear as a winter's day, while also possessing an icy aura. To Tyrus, she embodied the essence of winter itself.
And yet, there was a hint of familiarity emanating from her.
"This is your final warning, applicant fifty-five!"
Those words snapped Tyrus out of his trance. He picked up his feet and rushed toward the awaiting door, the instructor standing on the side with a grim look. He could still feel the girl staring at him, the intensity of her gaze sending a chill down his spine as he entered the physical exam.